Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini youth have been invited to explore the numerous ways they can effectively participate in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This invitation was extended by Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Eswatini Country Champion at the Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on AfCFTA (ICOYACA).
Presentation
Ngwenya was giving a presentation on behalf of the organisation last Wednesday in one of the sessions of the youth business seminars hosted at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre during the course of the Trade Fair. According to Ngwenya, the youth can participate in the AfCFTA through various means, as leaders, policy makers, traders, advisors, secretariat officials, senior trade committee officials, among others. “Indeed, there is no limit on how we can integrate the young people in the AfCFTA. “However, to ensure a proper organisation and mobilisation of the young people of Eswatini, there is a need for a body, made up by the youth and for the youth.
Framework
“This body should form part of the AfCFTA institutional framework at country level, allowing effective participation and mobilisation of young people, providing a bottom-up approach, while also integrating the young people at the centre of the AfCFTA,” he said. Ngwenya went on to say that there was also a need to make sure that the young people of Eswatini are at the table to advice and influence policy and laws related to the AfCFTA. “Young people are slowly transitioning to being adults, and are the leaders of today and tomorrow. “Their voices at the table ensures laws and policies are well structured in ensuring their sustainable future. Involving the young generation allows informed and implementable decisions relating to Africa’s biggest demographic,” Ngwenya said.
The AfCFTA, is a massive trade agreement that determines a continental integration through creating a one African market. It is the world’s largest free trade area, bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
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